OTLEY Courthouse has gone public on ambitious expansion plans that would create the biggest licensed venue in town.

The arts centre is hoping to build a 400-seat auditorium and other facilities on Leeds City Council-owned land behind its current building.

At the moment, the venue's largest space is the 140-seat Courtroom, which is also used by community groups and regularly sells out for shows.

Otley has been without a major, licensed hall since the Civic Centre – which used to host annual events like the beer and folk festivals – closed in 2010.

Dave Robson, chairman of the Courthouse's board of directors, believes it is time that changed.

He said: "Otley has been without a large venue space with bar facilities for some years, and we have waited to see if anything was going to happen with the Civic Centre, but nothing has.

"This piece of land looks like it's coming onto the market and if we don't try to do something now, this chance will be gone.

"The main idea is not just to create a big venue for our events but also a bigger public space for the town's large festivals and fairs."

The Courthouse is interested in using about a third of the city council-owned plot that runs from behind it's existing premises to the Licks car park, off North Parade.

Its proposals include creating a:

l 400-capacity auditorium with a permanent, extendable stage and retractable seating, sprung floor and music, sound and lighting systems

l separate foyer and reception area for evening events

l 'green room' for performers and additional studios, music practice rooms or meeting areas; and

l public media room, additional gallery space and extra toilets.

Mr Robson is keen to stress, however, that for now, the plans are aspirational.

He added: "None of this is definitely going to happen – the key thing that needs to happen first is for Leeds City Council to agree its land can be used for this.

"It knows we want to use it and tenants on the site appear to be in the process of moving out.

"We've contacted the council about our plans but aren't expecting a reply for a while.

"This is us saying here's what we plan to do, how we think it would benefit the town, and why we think we're best placed to do it. In the meantime, we need to hear back from everybody in Otley about what they think, which is why we've set up an online survey."

Otley BID is supporting the move.

Chairman, Steph Lee, said: "The Courthouse is a popular venue that has outgrown itself purely because of its success.

"Since it opened in 2004, the management team has demonstrated a proven track record in running the popular arts and resource centre.

"Otley lacks a large, town centre, multi-use, public space and this expansion would fill that void, and be provided by a management team that has done it all before, albeit on a smaller scale."

The survey can be found at surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BY76JLP and every completed form will be entered into a prize draw.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@nqyne.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Ilkley Gazette and Wharfedale Observer, 38 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JU. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.